When will my head explode?

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:47 pm

I have been pondering this question the last week or so. I have read SO MUCH information (thanks to you all!) about all of the jackets (color, leather, cut) that I just feel like I should write down all the jacket variations on little slips of paper fold them up and pick a winner out of a hat! Due to budget constraints (an extra $100 to $150 is a big deal to me) I have narrowed things down to two. My HEART wants to get a Limited Edition Vintage Cowhide Indy Jacket by US Wings. I consider it a "piece of history" something special. My HEAD tells me get the goatskin- You live in Florida and you'll probably get water on it at some point and ruin the other jacket and you'll have nothing but heartache! Anyone want to share their thoughts? Or have I just become annoying? It's my first jacket so go easy on me.

Indiana G · Post by **Indiana G** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 8:55 pm

you can never go wrong with the first jacket.......because they'll always be a second

buy what your heart tells you now......then save up for the one you want next. it's inevitable.....you can't escape it.....just give steve, mags, todd, lee, peter, marc, and noel direct access to your bank account now!!!!

lingarn · Post by **lingarn** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:04 pm

Heart or head...

...Heh, if you are in this hobby, we already know which one is winning.

Seriously though, since this is your first jacket, I would recommend going with what hurts your budget less. The reason I say this is that it is fairly likely that you will fall in love with your first jacket as soon as it is in your hands. I can say that is true of me and my Federation, even though it isn't an AB.

On the other hand, words like "Limited Edition" can make your head spin, especially when combined with "same batch of leather".

I guess there are two things to try.

First, which hurts more? Having a jacket that isn't made from the special leather, or the $170 or so price difference?

Second, if you really feel torn, try and pick a random and unbiased way to choose, like dice or something. If you find yourself cheating, you know which one you really want.

Best of luck in your deliberations! These are the kind of dilemmas you should relish.

Lingarn

P.S. -- To answer your initial question, about 5 seconds after they push the detonator.

genphideaux · Post by **genphideaux** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:06 pm

gmarthe,

I live in south Mississippi and have a Wings goat and a Limited Edition on order. The goat is great, from Oct. to May we have 35 - 50 degree mornings and 65 - 80 degree afternoons and this jacket never gets to hot to wear all day. It also sheads water like a duck. I even took this jacket to Hawaii in Feb. due to flight changes in cold areas. This is a true 3 season jacket for this area much like yours. I think based on past leather jackets the Limited Edition will be a true winter coat for here. I ordered the Limited Edition because it will only happen once. Will I wear it more than the goat only time will tell. I do believe that the topic of using spray waterproofing has been discussed here as to not change the color.

bobjones · Post by **bobjones** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:09 pm

IMHO, if you are in Florida, wouldn't the goatskin be more sensible, since it appears to be a lighter jacket and therefore has a longer wearable period during the year?

The heart tugs for a while, but its the wise decision you'll be happier with, longer.

Weston · Post by **Weston** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:38 pm

Tough choice. But If you want my advise, go with the limited addtion offer. That is something that we will not see again and I believe you will kick yourself, hard and often, for not going for it when you had the chance. You will no doubt find yourself able to get the goatskin down the road, either directly from Wings or at an auction.

Weston

Vegeta · Post by **Vegeta** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:44 pm

bobjones wrote:IMHO, if you are in Florida, wouldn't the goatskin be more sensible, since it appears to be a lighter jacket and therefore has a longer wearable period during the year?

I dont think so......I've lived in florida my entire life. The weather here is weird. It's either hot or cold. Short sleeve weather or jacket weather. And it still gets cold here. Just because there is no snow doesnt mean its not cold. 28 degree weather is not uncommen at night and in mornings durring the dead of winter. I have a thick cow hide jacket that is perfect for me. I like the heft of thicker leather and when I buy an indy jacket....I'll buy a cow hide one. Thats just how I feel anyway.

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:57 pm

Vegeta (nice name!), what part of Florida are you in? I agree you have to live here to "get" our weird weather patterns.

Weston- You're right that's the thing I think I will kick myself if I don't jump at the chance - BUT I don't think I will be getting another jacket anytime soon (heck I've been around here for a couple of years and I'm just now getting around to getting one)

All- one thing that I am curious about. I have been told the Vintage will be ruined unless I treat it with a waterproofing agent - but if I get a goat and decide to distress it won't I also have to treat THAT jacket or risk ruining it or is goat waterproof through and through?

Vegeta · Post by **Vegeta** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:08 pm

I live in St. Pete.

ortiz344 · Post by **ortiz344** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:17 pm

IMHO, go as cheap as you can for the first (todds) you can always upgrade if you like it and learn more about the jackets...Id say
stay away from the 'special wings' offer (just too pricey for a starter jacket) if you are going to spend that much, go for a wested...

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:46 pm

The special offer for the limited editon is still on so the price difference between the two jackets is less than $50.

Indiana Kev · Post by **Indiana Kev** » Tue Mar 25, 2008 10:47 pm

Weston wrote:Tough choice. But If you want my advise, go with the limited addtion offer. That is something that we will not see again and I believe you will kick yourself, hard and often, for not going for it when you had the chance. You will no doubt find yourself able to get the goatskin down the road, either directly from Wings or at an auction.

Weston

I've got to agree with Weston. If I was buying my first jacket right now I would jump on the offer. Spend some time in the gear distressing thread, search on how to protect the leather, or post and ask the question if you can't find the answer. I say order up the limited edition wings, I really wish I had the cash to get one myself.

I can identify with you on the whole nerves of buying the first jacket, so keep asking your questions until you are statisfied. I put myself through torture when I was preparing to get my first jacket. Its a tough thing to do when you are spending alot of money. As much as I love my wested I wish I would have expanded my search into Wings or G&B or Todd's.

And I'll end by agreeing with my buddy Indiana G, there will be another jacket in the future, maybe not the immediate future, but down the line there will be another jacket. My next jacket is still off in the future but I'm planning now. Good luck with the decision.

gladd96 · Post by **gladd96** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:21 am

I'm not sure if I follow the logic of the temperature as a major concern. My experience is that there is not a big difference in the warmth between a cowhide and a goat skin.

I wouldn't think the Wings special edition leather would have any serious trouble in the rain but it would certainly warrant a question to the manufacture. I'm a little unsure about why or if goat is better repelling water but it is rated highly against tearing and puncture so I imagine it's a very dense and harder for the water to get through... although any quality leather shouldn't have too much trouble repelling the occasional shower. A leather jacket is no substitute for a rain coat.

I really like the look of the KotCS leather... it's really BA! It'd be my choice.

PyramidBlaster · Post by **PyramidBlaster** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:20 am

I live in St. Pete.

We're practically neighbors!!! I knew I wasn't the only one around these parts....

For the record, I'm now on track for a Flightsuits Goat....After MUCH deliberation. My previous Goat jacket worked fine around here.

Rundquist · Post by **Rundquist** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:21 pm

I would say that the Wings jacket will probably hold it’s value pretty well (because of the leather) if you want to flip it down the line. There's no rule that says you have to keep everything. Cheers

Hunter Jones · Post by **Hunter Jones** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 1:43 pm

Life's short. Get your heart's desire and wear it in good health. As everyone points out, you'll be getting a second jacket.

gmarthe · Post by **gmarthe** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:14 pm

I finally pulled the trigger and decided. I ordered the Limited Edition vintage. Like you guys said it's what my heart wanted and I'd probably kick myself for NOT getting one. When they're gone they're gone but the goat will still be available if I just NEED another jacket. Thanks to everyone for the help in this thread and others and I promise to post some pics when it arrives. Not sure If I'll be able to wait the three weeks though.